Bay Bank Awards $30,000 to Nonprofits in Celebration of 30th Anniversary

Bay Bank Press Release

Bay Bank celebrated its 30th anniversary today by awarding a total of $30,000 to local nonprofit organizations in the Green Bay and Keshena areas. Ten nonprofits each received $3,000, reinforcing the bank’s commitment to supporting programs that strengthen and uplift the region.

The donation recipients included: Medicine Fish, Menomini yoU, Woodland Boys & Girls Club, She Rises Collective, Oneida Community Lacrosse Program, Oneida Nation High School Girls Flag Football Program, Woodland Indian Arts Board, Brown County United Way, Ashwaubenon Youth Baseball, and Ashwaubenon Lions.

Originally launched by the Oneida Nation and a group of five local businessmen, Bay Bank was envisioned as a locally controlled institution that would protect customers from the disruptions of mergers and consolidations common in larger banks. In 2000, the Oneida Nation became the sole owner of the bank, enhancing its mission to deliver accessible, community-focused financial services, particularly for underserved communities.

"From helping families achieve homeownership to supporting local businesses and Tribal enterprises, Bay Bank has remained steadfast in its commitment to financial inclusion and cultural preservation,” said Jeff Bowman, President of Bay Bank. “Our success is rooted in the trust of our customers, the dedication of our employees and the partnerships we have formed with organizations that share our vision for a stronger, more vibrant community.”

Today, Bay Bank has grown to over $300 million in assets and now operates three convenient locations in Green Bay and Keshena, staffed by a dedicated team of 40 employees. As a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), Bay Bank offers personalized financial services including mortgage, consumer and commercial loans, while also delivering programs uniquely designed to uplift low to moderate income and Native communities.

A flagship example of this commitment is Bay Bank’s administration of the HUD Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program—the only financial institution in the State of Wisconsin to offer this opportunity. Since 2005, Bay Bank has helped secure over $80 million in home loans through this program, giving enrolled members of federally recognized tribes a pathway to affordable homeownership.

Additionally, Bay Bank oversees the Oneida Small Business Project 2000, having invested over $5 million in more than 100 Oneida entrepreneurs. This program provides vital support to help small business owners succeed and boost local economic growth.

As Bay Bank reflects on three decades of progress, its leaders are already focused on the future. “Looking ahead, Bay Bank remains committed to innovation and growth while staying true to our founding values,” said Nathan King, Vice President of Bay Bank. “As we embrace the future, we will continue to provide exceptional financial services, invest in our communities and empower the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.”

ABOUT BAY BANK

Bay Bank has a long and proud history of standing for its customers’ future. Founded in 1995, the Oneida Nation became the bank’s sole owner in 2000. The bank’s operations, policies and locally focused mission were enhanced after the purchase, as Bay Bank provided more federally funded programs to directly assist tribal members. In addition, Bay Bank and the Oneida Nation developed unique mortgage and entrepreneurial programs to assist Oneidas in obtaining housing and starting business ventures. Today, Bay Bank has assets of $300 million and a dedicated team of 40 employees with two convenient locations for customers in the Greater Green Bay area, as well as a branch office in Keshena, which opened in January 2021. Bay Bank is the only Greater Green Bay bank to offer the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program. Learn more at BayBankGB.com.